I finished the boat and took it to the water. I have a small leak at the transom, no idea where but that’s fairly easy to fix (I hope). I got on the water and found the stability about what I expected. It’s definitely tender, but not as bad as I was afraid it would be. A newbie or someone who hasn’t paddled lower stability boats would not be comfortable in it.

Phil came along for the laughs I provided. He was kind enough to snap photos too. I had tried the boat with no oars and now I was headed to the boat for the first try.

First stroke trying to get away from the shore. Note to self: Turn the boat toward open water!! I really struggled to get going.

This photo is just to show I did make it on the water and actually row it a little. But it was a study in frustration! Rowing is not easy. There is a rhythm and timing between oars, arms and legs and I didn’t have it together. But I am sure that comes with time.

Another big issue was I found the outrigger were not high enough. When I lifted the oars out of the water, I kept hitting my knees. If I didn’t hit my knees I drug the oar in the water and that is a BAD thing! Part of that was my timing, I kept lifting my knees to quickly, but a large part was the oars were just too low and I have the scars on top of my leg to prove it!

So, I have rigged up some temporary blocks to raise the oars locks and clamped them in place with some clamps. I want to take it to the water to see how much difference this makes and assuming no bloody knee caps I will figure the best way to raise them up.